European Union and Japan sign aviation agreement to strengthen ties

The Council of the European Union (EU) and Japan have signed an aviation agreement to further strengthen cooperation and enable airlines to expand their services more easily. As a part of the agreement, all the EU-based airlines will get a non-discriminatory access to routes between the EU and Japan. It will supersede existing provisions in 13 bilateral air services agreements between EU member states and Japan. The Council said the move would promote open and fair competition and create a level playing field for EU carriers. “This agreement will allow all EU air carriers to benefit from the right of